During halftime of the Rutgers University-Temple game, the Hawks took to the field and get the opportunity to play on the same field as LeSean McCoy and Michael Vick.

“They’re 11- and 12-year olds. They understand the game and where the Eagles play on Sundays,” said Hawks coach Brad Quast, who spent some professional time with the Eagles and New York Jets. “They understand that they’re hallowed grounds that many professional players and walked on and played on, so they’re pretty excited about it.

View full sizeJoe WarnerHarrison Hawks youth football players await to high-five the Temple University football players as they enter the field, on Saturday, October 20,2012.

Joe Cosgrove, the Chairman, President and CEO of Pentec Health in Philadelphia, is also the president of the Hawks’ program. Cosgrove did some work with Temple in the way of advertising, and also got his players the chance to spend some time playing at the Linc.

“It was great,” Quast said of the players’ reaction when they heard the good news. “They were giving each other high-fives and it was just fun. Being able to play there is a great opportunity for them.”

The five or six minutes the Hawks spend on the field will also be a great opportunity for youth football as a whole.

View full sizeJoe WarnerThe Harrison Hawks youth football program played an exhibition game during halftime of the Temple vs. Rutgers game at, Lincoln Financial Field, on Satruday, October 20,2012.

“Youth football is down across the country for various reasons — time commitment, fall ball, soccer, concussions,” Quast said. “People are more aware of it and it’s a huge commitment. Parents work and it’s hard to sacrifice the time. It’s tough for the sport.

“Anything you can do to feed awareness for the sport, it not only helps our program, but South Jersey football as a whole.”

View full sizeJoe WarnerHarrison Hawks' Kevin Levengood, 62, eagerly awaits the first snap of an exhibition game during halftime of the Temple and Rutgers football game, at Lincoln Financial Field, on Saturday, October 20, 2012.